Purple Heart Trail marked at Battlefield Memorial Gateway Park

PLATTSBURGH | Gratitude was all around Friday, Nov. 17, at the unveiling of the Purple Heart Trail marker in the Battlefield Memorial Gateway Park. Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman, town councilors, park visionary John Rock and the Clinton County American Legion celebrated completion of Phase 1 construction at the new waterfront park dedicated to the area's history, veterans of all wars and to a new generation of understanding this area's history. The wind blew flags wide open on an almost-warm November day. The first loop of the park circles a wooded glen, offering a view of Crab Island and the historic monument there. The smooth trails provide a sense of what's emerging on the shores of Plattsburgh Bay. "At the heart of Phase I lies the Purple Heart Trail, offering a tangible tribute to the brave individuals who have made sacrifices for our nation," Cashman said. "The trail pays homage to Purple Heart recipients, weaving their stories into the very fabric of our community. Marked by a distinct trail obelisk bearing the emblem of the Purple Heart, the trail draws inspiration and connection to the monument on Crab Island where American soldiers are buried. "Today is a day of great significance, a day when we come together to mark a historic milestone in the journey of our town and the Clinton County American Legion," Cashman said. "With immense pride, we commemorate the completion of Phase I at the Battlefield Memorial Gateway." The project was launched six years and nine days prior. Despite a pause during COVID, the park's acres moved through design into build phase and gained $1.3 million in funding to date. Cashman said Phase 2 begins next year aiming for a finish on the mainland by 2026 to celebrate America's 250th birthday, the Quarter Millennial. The lands surrounding the site are woven into America's march toward independence. The first fleet-to-fleet Naval battle of the American Revolution was fought on the bay just beyond the Battlefield Park's border. The last Naval battle of the heated rekindle of that war was fought in 1814 not a mile offshore. In this year, the Purple Heart Trail now links to important Lake Champlain waterfront byways north and south, the Terry Gordon Bike Path and the New York State Empire Trail. Cashman said this connection transcends physical activity and unites historical and tourism sites in the region. "Destinations such as the Old Post Cemetery, Clinton County Historical Association, and the Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum all beckon exploration into the area's rich past." The town supervisor specially thanked Casella Waste for their leadership and generosity, and the crucial role, he said in site remediation. He was grateful for support from Plattsburgh Memorials for the trail marker monument. Luck Brothers, he said, went above and beyond the scope of contracted services. The town's collaboration with Clinton County American Legion has proved important allegiance to honor the men and women who served in the many wars and stationed the many barracks, tents and redoubts here over the past few centuries. Phase 2 of the Battlefield Memorial Gateway Park adds inland amenities, a veterans' memorial walk, plaza site and a children's playground. The final onshore Phase 3 works toward viewing areas on the two jetties that reach toward Crab Island. Cashman and Clinton County American Legion Commander Joe Patnode called on community to get involved. Fundraising for the Phase 2 is ongoing. "We call upon individuals, businesses, civic groups, and youth to join us in contributing critical funds as we enter Phase 2, allowing us to build unique amenities that tell the stories of our history," Patnode said. Newly elected Area 5 Legislator and Schuyler Falls Supervisor Kevin Randall was happy to attend and watch the Phase 1 ribbon cut. "People who live here spend days out on the lake," he said. "Many may not be as well-versed in the history that surrounds our home. It's great to see projects of this nature come to life, so we can remember the part so many veterans have played in shaping our nation." For John Rock, a member of the Legion, this day was truly memorable. He brought the idea to build this park to Cashman and Assemblyman Billy Jones years ago. "I'm so thrilled. It's unbelievable," John Rock beamed, sharing the moment with his brother Mike Rock, previous commander of American Legion Post #1619, who he credits with being part of every step. "There are so many veterans in this area," John said. "We've been a base for every branch of the service, Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force." Rock and his brother hope this park kick-starts a wider awareness of the role this rocky shoreline on Lake Champlain has played throughout American history. "You cannot underestimate the importance of this region in the American Revolution," John said. "The stories here, the history here, they need to be told." Cashman and John Rock unveiled the black obelisk that marks the Purple Heart Trail, a tribute to sacrifice made to pay for American freedom. It bears the official emblem of the Purple Heart medal. "The Town of Plattsburgh" it says. "A Purple Heart Community." Officials didn't rest on their laurels. "On to Phase 2!" Cashman said.

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Purple Heart Trail marked at Battlefield Memorial Gateway Park

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